Who it’s for: Couples who want festive lights, a little skating, a classic dinner, and a show.
Cost: $$ moderate
Pace: relaxed
At a glance: Cocoa at Hardy Coffee → Holiday Lights stroll at The RiverFront → Ice skating at the Skate Ribbon → Dinner at M’s Pub → Holiday show at the Orpheum or Holland Center
Afternoon
4:00 to 4:30: Cocoa at Hardy Coffee Co. — Old Market
Warm up with hot cocoa or a seasonal latte at Hardy Coffee Co. in the Old Market.
- Address: 1031 Jones St, Omaha, NE 68102
4:35 to 5:05: Holiday Lights stroll at The RiverFront
Walk a few blocks to Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park to enjoy the Holiday Lights Festival displays that run nightly through the season.
Evening
5:15 to 6:05: Ice skating at the RiverFront Skate Ribbon
Reserve a 50 minute slot at the outdoor Skate Ribbon at Heartland of America Park. Rentals are available on site.
- Location: Corner of 8th and Farnam at Heartland of America Park
- Tip: Reservations are required on busy evenings and weekends. Book ahead.
6:30 to 7:45: Dinner at M’s Pub
Head back into the Old Market for a classic date spot, M’s Pub. Share the famous lavosh, then choose a soup, salad, or entree.
- Address: 422 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Alt pick: Gather in Omaha, 1108 Howard St, opens at 5 pm and is a short walk.
8:00 to late: Holiday performance
Cap the night with a show. Check Omaha Performing Arts for December performances at the Orpheum or Holland Center. On many mid December dates, look for the Omaha Symphony’s Christmas Celebration at the Holland Center.
- Orpheum Theater: 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Holland Performing Arts Center: 1200 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
Weather swap
If it is too icy or windy: Skip skating and stroll the lighted paths longer, or substitute a museum stop before dinner. Easy swaps include Joslyn Art Museum or The Durham Museum.
Map the evening
Pin in this order: Hardy Coffee Co. Old Market → Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park → Skate Ribbon → M’s Pub → Orpheum Theater or Holland Center.
Make it yours
- Save: Skate with your own gear and share an appetizer at dinner.
- Splurge: Add pre show cocktails at Mercury or a nightcap at The Wicked Rabbit.
- Timing tip: Reserve skating and dinner first, then pick a show that matches your meal time.
More like this: Try our November Family itinerary or the Singles Riverfront day.
